I recently had the pleasure of visiting Venice with my brother, and it quickly became one of my favorite cities in all of Italy. There is something so magical and unique about Venice that sets it apart from other destinations. Venice is a city built on 118 small islands that are connected by over 400 bridges. The canals of Venice serve as the main transportation routes instead of roads and it has been a long time dream of mine to visit this floating metropolis.
For our stay in Venice we chose to stay in the Combo Venice Hostel, which is a budget-friendly option located in the Cannaregio district of Venice. The hostel offers a variety of room types including dormitories, private rooms, and shared rooms. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and brightly decorated with a modern flair. The hostel also features a communal kitchen, lounge area, and free Wi-Fi for guests to use. The staff at Combo Venice Hostel are friendly and welcoming, and were always happy to help us with any questions. The best part of all is that the location of the hostel was ideal for exploring Venice. We were within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square.
We also took the opportunity to explore some of the nearby islands, such as Murano and Burano. Murano is known for its glass-making industry, and we enjoyed watching skilled artisans create beautiful glass art. Burano, on the other hand, is a charming and colorful fishing village that is perfect for strolling and taking in the picturesque views.
Of course, no trip to Venice would be complete without a visit to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of the city. We marveled at the intricate architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Campanile, and we also took some time to relax and people-watch at one of the cafes in the square.
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The Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale in Italian, is a magnificent Gothic-style palace located on St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. Once the residence of the doge, the elected leader of the Venetian Republic, the palace has a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. The palace is a masterpiece of Venetian architecture, with its distinctive pink and white marble facade, ornate arches, and intricate carvings. For our tour we booked an easrly morning tour of the palace before any other visitors were allowed in. Getting to explore the many rooms and galleries of the palace before crowds of people joined made our time in the palace all the more better.
One of the craziest things I learned while in Doge’s Palace was the history of The Golden Book Window, also known as the Bocca di Leone, which is a small rectangular slot located in the wall of the Doge’s Palace. The window was used as a means of anonymous denunciation during the days of the Venetian Republic. Citizens could write accusations against their fellow citizens, government officials, or anyone they suspected of committing a crime or engaging in suspicious activities on small slips of paper and insert them into the window. The slot was designed to resemble a lion’s mouth, with the words “Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus” (Peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist) inscribed above it. The denunciations were collected and recorded in the “Golden Book,” a register of accusations maintained by the Council of Ten, one of the most powerful governing bodies of the Venetian Republic. The use of the Golden Book Window allowed the government to maintain strict control over the population and helped to prevent rebellion and insurrection. Today, visitors to the Doge’s Palace can still see the Golden Book Window, which serves as a reminder of the complex and often brutal history of Venice.
Another highlight of our trip was visiting the ornate St. Michael’s Basilica. It is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and houses many beautiful works of art. My favorite fact about St. Michael’s Cathedral is that it contains a number of artworks and artifacts that were acquired from other locations during the Venetian Empire. One of the most notable examples is the large bronze statue of the archangel Michael that sits atop the cathedral’s bell tower. This statue was originally located in the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul), and was brought to Venice as part of the spoils of war during the Fourth Crusade in the 13th century. Other examples include the marble reliefs that adorn the cathedral’s exterior, which were taken from the facade of the church of San Giovanni in Bragora, and a number of ancient Roman sculptures that were acquired by Venetian collectors and later donated to the cathedral.
We also indulged in some delicious Italian cuisine during our time in Venice. We had some particularly memorable meals with friends at some of the city’s more upscale restaurants. When visiting Venice, one cannot miss the opportunity to indulge in the city’s exquisite seafood cuisine. With its location on the Adriatic Sea, Venice boasts a variety of fresh seafood options, including octopus, squid, shrimp, and a wide variety of fish. While we were there we tried all of the above.
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice, Italy. Built in the late 16th century, the bridge spans the Grand Canal and connects the San Marco and San Polo districts of the city. The bridge is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with its distinctive arches and colonnades, and offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and the surrounding cityscape. For centuries, the Rialto Bridge served as the main commercial hub of Venice, with a bustling market located at its base.
After visiting several cities in Italy, I can confidently say that Venice is my favorite. There is something magical and unique about this city that sets it apart from others. The canals, bridges, and colorful buildings make it a truly picturesque destination, and the absence of cars and roads only adds to its charm. I loved exploring the different neighborhoods and islands, each with its own character and attractions, from the glass-making factories of Murano to the colorful houses of Burano. St. Mark’s Square and St. Michael’s Basilica were both breathtaking in their own way, with their intricate architecture and stunning works of art. And of course, taking a gondola ride through the canals was a highlight of the trip. But what I loved most about Venice was its overall ambiance – the slow pace of life, the leisurely meals with friends, and the feeling that I was truly in a different world. I can’t wait to return to this magical city and explore even more of its wonders.
